My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

stone table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding

cake is

lifted a knife and a paper plate, preparing to cut into the

the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday. Before she treats you all to some cake, what should we

be a little girl in

sing the ‘Happy

her eyes and make

must blow out

Julian that there was

and had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

in your heart

found a little girl who wasn’t

and, under the gazes of the children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began to give the cake

to say thank you!” their parents instructed, standing

like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer

streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled for the

“The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood.

I never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it never existed for now.

her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder

and headed toward

her apartment and about

a loud slam, the door was propped open by a large hand

up, Rachel saw Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all the more grotesque

on business? she

explaining himself, he slid sideways into the house

“I see you’ve been getting

two steps back. Why are

stalked toward her as he pulled off his necktie and threw it onto the

“I suppose you wouldn’t want me to ruin your blissful days, would

by step he approached her, forcing

no idea

hold of her arm and pulled, she staggered